Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation

Uniting Communities, Strengthening Resilience: Your Partner in Wildfire Preparedness

The Office of the State Fire Marshal's Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Division collaborates with federal, state, and local agencies, tribes, non-profit entities, and stakeholders to prepare California communities against wildfires. CAL FIRE develops strategies, conducts hazard inspections, and provides education and grants for wildfire prevention efforts, fostering prepared and resilient communities.

Land Use Planning for Wildfires Trainings

We are excited to announce that the Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Division in collaboration with the Community Wildfire Planning Center are offering another round of trainings this October and November.
 
“An Introduction to Land Use Planning for Wildfires in California” are free, all-day, in person trainings, and are open to land use planners, fire marshals, fire chiefs, fire mitigation specialists, building officials, and other professionals from government agencies and the private sector engaged in planning, policy, development review and/or approval activities in California.

 LEARN MORE

Community Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Statewide Clearinghouse Data Center

Our Community Wildfire Mitigation Assistance Statewide (CWMA) Clearinghouse hosts a wide array of documents, research articles, best practices, and other critical resources.

VISIT THE CLEARINGHOUSE DATA CENTER

Submit to the Clearinghouse

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Community Wildfire Protection Plans

Community Wildfire Protection Plans (CWPPs) are collaboratively developed plans that focus on reducing wildfire risk to identified values. The California CWPP Toolkit provides important guidance and resources for CWPP development and implementation.

CWPP Toolkit

Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Programs Report

View the Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation Programs Report. This report is created as a requirement of Public Resources Code Section 4209.3 (Chapter 225, Statutes of 2021).

This report includes a summary of the programs under the purview of the Deputy Director of Community Wildfire Preparedness and Mitigation, as well as all known personnel and resource shortfalls in each of the following programs:

• Wildfire Preparedness Program • The California Wildfire Mitigation Financial Assistance Program • Utility Wildfire Mitigation Program • Pre-Fire Planning Program • Land Use Planning Program • Wildfire Prevention Grants Program

Read the Report

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CAL FIRE Burn Permit Application

Apply for a burn permit through the CAL FIRE Burn Permit Application.

Apply

Burn Permit

Fire Hazard Severity Zones

CAL FIRE maps significant fire hazard areas, known as Fire Hazard Severity Zones, to assist with wildfire preparedness and determine applicable risk reduction standards.

Land Use Planning

CAL FIRE's Land Use Planning Program collaborates with CA communities and local government agencies to address the risk of wildfire by providing personalized assistance in updating Safety Elements (General Plans) and the application process to become a recognized NFPA Firewise USA Community.

Wildfire Public Education

CAL FIRE's Wildfire Public Education Program, established by Assembly Bill 9, conducts outreach to regional and local wildfire mitigation groups, ensuring compliance and informing stakeholders about relevant laws and regulations.

Building in the Wildland

Wildfires in California can be minimized by using building construction methods that reduce building ignition and maintaining defensible space.

Defensible Space

Defensible space and home hardening are crucial for homes to withstand wildfires, providing a buffer between buildings and surrounding vegetation while protecting against embers, flame contact, and radiant heat.

Pre-Fire Planning

The 2024 Strategic Fire Plan for California focuses on fire prevention, suppression, and natural resource management to reduce wildfire hazards and protect lives, property, and ecosystems.

Subdivision Review

Assembly Bill 2911 identifies existing subdivisions at significant fire risk and requires recommendations for improving fire safety, especially in areas without secondary egress routes.

Utility Wildfire Mitigation

CAL FIRE's Utility Wildfire Mitigation Program aims to mitigate wildfires caused by electric utilities, working with energy safety agencies and maintaining resources for power line inspection and prevention.

Wildfire Prevention Grants

CAL FIRE's Wildfire Prevention Grants Program funds projects in fire-threatened communities, focusing on protection, hazardous fuel reduction, prevention planning, and education for public health, safety, and emission reduction.